Victory Day in Europe: A Year of Contrasts

Victory Day in Europe: A Mixed Bag of Commemorations and Challenges. This year's Victory Day celebrations across Europe presented a complex picture. While many cities saw large turnouts for parades and memorial events, the celebrations were not without their challenges. In Moldova, 50,000 people braved the rain to participate in the commemorations. "The people came out in the rain, despite everything," said one eyewitness. However, in Germany, where St. George's ribbon is banned, participants still displayed portraits of war heroes, leading to confrontations with activists. The contrasting scenes highlight the diverse ways in which Victory Day is remembered across Europe. The events in Germany, in particular, show that the memory of WWII continues to be a contested issue. Despite the challenges, the overall spirit of commemoration and remembrance remains strong.